Bars you must visit in 2018 - Outlook Traveller

Over an Old Fashioned, a friend and I caught up after months. So much had changed, yet the desire to travel burned bright. We discussed books and films and television shows which have inspired travel lists and just after consuming our third cocktail our thoughts turned to bar trails. “I would love to go to Stockholm ,” she said. “The Ice Bar, that’s why!” Imagine walking into a -7 degrees Celsius bar to drink cocktails out of glasses made with ice! That got me thinking. Why don’t we travel the world in search of unique or unusual bars?

Well, don’t fret. 2018 is the year to travel and we Indians are making our way to extreme corners of the globe in search of new adventures. If drinks and cocktails are your thing and you love to travel, combine the two and make your very own drink trail! Here are some suggestions:

Northern Lights Bar, Selfoss, Iceland

If watching the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, combine that with your love of cocktails and head to Iceland. The Northern Lights Bar (surprise much?) at the eco-friendly Ion Hotel is beautifully designed to offer patrons unparalleled views of Aurora Borealis. As the natural phenomenon occurs, the bar lights are dimmed to showcase the natural surroundings. Sip on local beers and listen to haunting Iceland folk tunes as you fall in love with the beauty of Northern Lights.

See the gorgeous Northern Lights from the bar

Ice Bar, Stockholm, Sweden

Located at the Ice Hotel in Stockholm, the Ice Bar is definitely cold so be prepared. to freeze. It’s the world’s first permanent ice bar, hence the name where the temperature is -7 degrees Celsius. The cocktail selection is unparalleled while drinks are served in ice glasses! Word of caution: USE GLOVES! They also offer ice sculpturing for those brave enough to try.

Drink out of glasses made of ice !

Rock Bar, Bali, Indonesia

Want to enjoy an open air bar, take in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and feel like you’re sitting on the rocks? Well, look no further than Rock Bar inside the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali, Indonesia. It’s accessible via Ayana’s cliff side inclinator and boasts of an incredible atmosphere with a choicest selection of food and beverages. Don’t miss the Rock Bar signature cocktails as you watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Sip on cocktails as you sea the sun set.

Subsix, Maldives

Want to party at an underwater playground? Well, first take a speedboat to the Aquum Niyama Resort in Dhaalu Atoll, then walk down a grand staircase 20 feet deep to reach Subsix. The interiors are, but of course, ocean themed with a clam-shaped bar and coral-inspired chandeliers. Drink a delicious cocktail as you see the beauty of marine life from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Underwater party anyone?

Ozone Bar, Hong Kong

How about heading to Hong Kong to drink at the highest bar in the world? You’ll find it on the 118th floor of Hong Kong’s International Commerce Centre. The Ozone Bar is part of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong hotel and located 1,690 feet above sea level. Not only do you get spectacular views outside, it’s stunning interiors are also very appealing. Pro tip: They have a fantastic wine list!

Check out that view!

The Old Forge, Scotland

Want to drink a pint at an isolated pub? Look no further than Scotland, ladies and gents. The Old Forge pub holds the Guinness World Record for being Britain’s most isolated pub. With no roads running directly to the bar, it’s reachable only by an 18-mile hike or seven-mile ferry journey. Despite the isolation, the pub is always nearly full in the summer months!